Representatives from youth organisations, schools and any groups which involve or have a focus on young people are being encouraged to attend an event with the possibility of being involved in Piping At Forres.
Organisers of Piping At Forres are holding an opening evening on November 22 to gauge interest from these groups on how they would like to be involved in next year’s event.
Piping At Forres is celebrating Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 and wants to find out how best to involve the community.
Ainsley James, former depute rector of Forres Academy has taken on the volunteer role of coordinating any young people’s events related to the European Pipe Band Championships which will be held in Forres for the last time on June 30 2018.
Year of Young People
Ainsley who retired after 18 years at Forres Academy in 2016 said: “I am delighted to be working with Piping At Forres particularly with a role related to the Year of Young People. We really want young people to be part of the one-day event and want to celebrate and showcase the achievements of the young people of our community.
“Excellent relationships already exist with youth groups who have participated in previous events however we are keen to offer more opportunities and support to the community’s youth in new and different ways. There are so many possibilities out there. The evening will be informal and will very much be a two way conversation. We already have some ideas about how we want young people to be involved, but we are also looking for inspiration. We need people to come to us with their ideas, so that we can sift through all the options.”
She added: “The age range for the Year of Young People is 8-26 so we know there are huge possibilities out there. Knowing what the local community in Moray is like, the hard part will be having to turn people away.”
A spotlight on youngsters
The Year of Young People 2018 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s young people, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contribution to communities and creating opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally.
It follows on from the year of History, Heritage and Archaeology this year and the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design in 2016.
If you are interested in finding out how your group could be involved in next year’s event join us at the Courtroom in the Tolbooth on Wednesday, 22 November at 7pm.
For more information you can email Ainsley at ainsleyj@pipingatforres.com